March 29, 2012

Ryan Bresee, radio host of CKCU's Whatever's Cool With Me:JUNOS: There's an embarrassment of musical riches in Ottawa this weekend thanks to the Junos. Trying to pick one show to suggest isn't a fair request for a dude like me. In the end, I chose a concert that features an all-star cast. On Friday at Mavericks there will be an Outlaws and Gunslingers show featuring Jim Cuddy, Jenn Grant, Oh Susanna, Luke Doucet, NQ Arbuckle and more. Instead of each doing their own sets, it sounds like they will all perform together as one amazing supergroup. Thank you, Junos! Thank you!

You can find more local JUNO week events on our 2012 JUNOS Guide... including music events, sports events, arts events and more.

Laura Nicol, aka @311Laura:FITNESS: Get your weekend started with the return of the now famous Madonna Flow Party - a powerful, Ashtanga-based, vinyasa yoga class to the music of Madonna (yes, THE Madonna). During the 90-minutes we will play, sweat, move and maybe dance if the mood strikes.Friday, March 30 from 7:45 to 9:15 pm at Rama Lotus in the Sky Room. By donation* (cash only!) with 100% of the proceeds raised going to CHEO - YouthNet. Arrive early - this class is always full!

Ruvini Godakandae from KahootKids.ca:MAPLE SYRUP: Got a sweet tooth and love to all things maple including maple syrup? You’re in luck. The Maple Sugar Festival runs till April 1. The whole family can enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast, maple syrup and taffy, and listen to live entertainment. Kids can enjoy storytelling, a trolley ride and other activities. Best of all there’s free admission to the park.

Don from foodieprints:FOOD: This Friday, finish off the month of March by visiting The Westin Hotel (Confederation Ballroom, 11 Colonel By Drive) to attend the Ottawa stop of the 32nd Annual California Wine Fair Tour. There, you will be have the opportunity to sample a wide range of styles and varietals from the major wine-producing regions of the Golden State. Our wine blogger has purchased tickets to attend regularly for years. She recommends both the event and the wines from Wente Vineyards. Link to purchase tickets: http://www.calwine.ca/winefair2012/ottawa.php

Sara-Lynne Levine, Ottawa Capital Region Macaroni Kid:KIDS: On Saturday and Sunday, check out Monster Makers at the NAC's Fourth Stage. Your kids get to be in charge in this fun, interactive adventure! Like so many young Igors they become the lab assistants who bring a monster to life, teach him the do’s and don’ts of the world, and – moving beyond the walls of the theatre – take him out for a trial walk. The expression, “you’ve created a monster,” takes on a whole new meaning in this spirited show.

Yasir Naqvi, MPP Ottawa Centre:COMMUNITY: On Sunday, April 1st I’ll be attending the 15th Annual Aboriginal Family Festival, with the Ottawa Children and Youth Traditional Pow Wow. It will be a great afternoon of celebrations, with dance demonstrations, aboriginal art and crafts, and more! A great way to find out more about our aboriginal community in Ottawa. The festival is running Saturday, March 31st from noon to 6pm and Sunday, April 1 from noon to 4:30pm in the Raven’s Nest at Carleton University.”

Brett Delmage, OttawaJazzScene.ca:JAZZ: Need a Sunday shot of heat? How about 44 musicians on one stage playing Latin Jazz? The Capital Youth Jazz Orchestras from Ottawa will be meeting up with the La Garza, the Crane Latin Ensemble from Potsdam, NY for what promises to be a highly energetic and fun show at Library and Archives Canada auditorium. Admission by donation. Info: http://ottawajazzscene.ca/120328_cyjo

Denise Deby, from Green Living Ottawa: BOOK LAUNCH: If you’re up for an evening of enlightenment and debate—not to mention great coffee—I’d suggest the book launch for African Awakening: The Emerging Revolutions with Firoze Manji on Tuesday, April 3, 5-7 p.m. at The Blue Nile Ethiopian Restaurant, 577 Gladstone Ave. Manji is an award-winning editor, social justice activist, health professional and a lot more, and the book reflects on recent uprisings not just in north Africa but the rest of the continent.